The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Ultrasound Sonographer, operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment that uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to produce cross sectional and two- and three-dimensional images of internal organs and body structures. The Ultrasound Technician operates independently when performing highly detailed and complex ultrasound examinations; working in collaboration with the Radiologists for help providing a final interpretation.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs ultrasound examinations independently. At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions. This position requires proper alignment and position of the patient for the best test results. Sets up and adjusts the ultrasound equipment to meet the need the condition of the examination and patient. Move and adjust depths and types of scan in accordance with procedures and perform operator preventive maintenance and care of equipment. Perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, abdomen for tumors, stones, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection, vascular ultrasound venous studies to r/o Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), and Carotid artery examination. Performs a wide range of Diagnostic Abdominal Ultrasound examinations to include but not limited to the: Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Appendix, Spleen, Kidney's, Bladder, Aorta, Portal vein, Doppler studies of blood flow to and from the major organs, this includes imaging of the scrotum and testicles. Performs Ultrasound examinations of the female pelvis to include both transabdominal and transvaginal imaging of the Vagina, Uterus, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, and surrounding anatomy. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardize ultrasonography procedures. Set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standard/complex procedures. Interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history as it pertains to the procedure to be performed. Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure and reports patient history to interpreting radiologists. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:91383-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-06 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures. 2. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality. 3. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties. 4. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures. 5. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure. GS-07 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures. 2. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler. 3. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images. 4. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. GS-08 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. Preferred Experience: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require extended periods of sitting, moderate walking, and standing. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items, or moving equipment around, such as the ultrasound machine. The work requires moderate lifting, usually less than 50 lbs. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are disabled on the stretcher requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of lifts and/or other employees.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Battle Creek VA Medical Center 5500 Armstrong Road Battle Creek, MI 49037 US
• Name: Carol Phillips
• Phone: 765-251-1129
• Email: [email protected]